Turkish tea glass with tea glass holder made of 925 silver and crystal glass

The Turkish tea glass shape is known worldwide: the slender waist, the curved top, and the clear glass that allows the color of the tea to shine through. This tea glass holder made of 925 sterling silver encases the crystal glass in a frame of open gold filigree and a circumferential ornamental band in niello, crafted by SevChern in Veliky Ustyug.

At a glance

• Holder: 925 sterling silver, partially gold-plated, niello
• Filigree: open gold arches at the top, openwork
• Glass: faceted crystal glass
• Handle: gold-plated, smoothly curved
• Dimensions: approx. Ø 8.6 cm, height 7.7 cm
• Weight: approx. 115 g
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ustyug, Northern Russia
• Fineness: 925 sterling silver (92.5% fine silver)
• Engraving: only very limited options, subject to review
• Gift box: included

Material and craftsmanship

A wreath of open, golden filigree arches wraps around the waist of the crystal glass, beneath which lies a narrow, circumferential ornamental band in niello, marking the transition to the polished silver base. Niello is not a paint, but a black inlay that is melted into finely engraved lines, sanded flush, and polished – like ink in silver. The ornament on this holder was hand-engraved into the silver, filled with niello, and then polished away; the result is indelible and does not fade. The open gold filigree arches above it reveal the crystal glass: the faceted cut of the glass shimmers through the gold arms, refracting the light with every movement. The gold-plated, smoothly curved handle is attached to the side of the holder, providing a stable grip.

SevChern produces niello silver in Veliky Ustyug, Vologda Oblast in Northern Russia, where this art has been documented since 1683. In 1937, this tradition received a gold medal at the World Exhibition in Paris. This tea glass holder goes through six production stages: shaping the silver blank, hand-engraving the ornament, melting the niello, grinding and exposing the pattern, gold-plating the filigree arches and handle, and final polishing. The piece is hallmarked.

Usage and occasions

The Turkish tea glass shape is called "çay bardağı" in Turkish. The crystal glass in this holder follows exactly this geometry, while the silver holder grasps it at the waist without obscuring its shape. With a total weight of approx. 115 grams, the piece feels substantial but not heavy in the hand. As a wedding gift, this tea glass holder represents a shared beginning; it is also an extraordinary present for tea lovers who wish to combine Oriental tea culture with Russian silver art. For collectors who appreciate Russian goldsmithing combined with unusual shapes, this piece is also an enrichment. The glass can be easily removed from the holder for cleaning and refilling.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

Engraving is only possible to a very limited extent on this model, as the outer wall is largely taken up by the filigree and the niello band. Please contact us before ordering so we can review with you which area is suitable for a subtle engraving. Upon request, we can include a personal SilberVerse card in 15 x 10 cm landscape format, individually designed to suit the occasion. This service is free of charge.

Care

The glass and silver holder are separable, which makes care easier. You can clean the crystal glass normally with warm water. Wash the silver holder exclusively by hand: lukewarm water, mild detergent, and a soft cloth. No dishwasher, no silver dip, and no ultrasonic cleaner, as these methods can damage the gold plating and niello inlay. A soft silver polishing cloth is sufficient for the polished silver surfaces on the base. Store in a dry place, ideally in the gift box.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference compared to a classic podstakannik?
A podstakannik is the Russian term for a tea glass holder. This holder follows the same principle—a silver holder and a glass vessel with a handle on the metal—but features a Turkish instead of a Russian-cylindrical glass shape.

Can the crystal glass be replaced?
Yes, the glass sits in the holder and can be removed, which is practical for cleaning and filling. In case of damage, please contact us and we will check if a replacement glass is available.

Is the piece suitable for hot drinks?
Yes, the crystal glass is designed for hot drinks. Let the water cool down slightly before pouring, rather than pouring it in while boiling hot.

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Other models featuring tea glasses and silver holders can be found in our selection of table silver and silver tableware made of 925 silver. For more gift ideas, browse our gift ideas made of 925 silver.